 |
| Meta Quest 3 VR headset shown in Cyberpunk 2077's Night City |
For virtual reality enthusiasts, the dream of fully immersing yourself in the sprawling, neon-drenched streets of Night City became a reality thanks to a dedicated modder. Now, that dream has been put on hold, sparking a fierce debate about creativity, copyright, and the future of VR gaming.
The well-known modder Luke Ross, celebrated for his extensive work bringing major titles into VR, recently revealed that his popular Cyberpunk 2077 VR mod was issued a DMCA takedown by CD Projekt Red. The mod, which required a donation via his Patreon for access, allowed players to experience the entire RPG in a stunningly authentic first-person VR perspective. In a detailed post, Ross shared his frustration after discussions with the company’s legal team, who labeled his project a “derivative work.”
“I wasn't exploiting an IP, given the uniqueness of my work,” Ross argued. He also contends that his VR mod for Cyberpunk 2077 likely drove additional sales for the publisher, acting as a premium fan-made feature for the acclaimed game.
You can read Ross’s full statement on the matter here.
The Paywall Problem: A Community Divided
CD Projekt Red has historically maintained a supportive stance toward modders, even providing official tools. However, the introduction of a paywall for the VR experience appears to have crossed a line. As noted by commentators on ResetEra, the legal clash might have been avoided if the mod was distributed for free, with donations framed as support for future updates.
The ResetEra thread delves deep into the community’s split reaction.
Ross defends the paywall, stating the immense time and technical expertise required to produce such complex alterations justifies requiring payment. This incident highlights the precarious balance modders face: monetizing their labor while respecting intellectual property boundaries.
 |
| Luke Ross Patreon post on Cyberpunk 2077 VR mod takedown |
A Broader Setback for VR Gaming
This takedown is another blow to VR gamers hungry for deep, AAA experiences. The niche has faced recent setbacks, including Meta downsizing studios dedicated to VR game development, putting titles like Resident Evil 4 VR and Deadpool VR in jeopardy.
For fans of Cyberpunk 2077, the removal of Ross’s mod means one fewer avenue for ultimate immersion. However, a new hope has emerged. Upon hearing the news, Flat2VR Studios—a collective focused on official and high-quality VR ports—publicly expressed interest in developing an approved VR version.
The studio tweeted their interest, opening a door to potential collaboration.
What’s Next for Cyberpunk in VR?
While promising, any official or sanctioned VR project faces significant hurdles. CD Projekt Red’s development slate is packed, with multiple Witcher projects and the next Cyberpunk sequel reportedly targeting a 2030 release. The publisher’s resources and attention are firmly elsewhere for the foreseeable future.
The takedown of Luke Ross’s mod underscores a persistent reality: despite a passionate community and remarkable technical achievements by modders, AAA VR gaming remains a frontier waiting for full-scale investment from major publishers. For now, players are left navigating a landscape where breathtaking virtual experiences can vanish with a single legal notice, a reminder that in the evolving world of game mods, the line between innovation and infringement is often as hazy as the neon fog of Night City.